Integrating PLC theory and programming into advanced controls courses

Designing advanced control systems is a challenging task that requires the integration of numerous simulations and experiments into the design decision-making process. Unfortunately, controls courses are often focused on theory and do not provide students with knowledge, or practical experience, of how to actually implement controllers. Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) are often used in industrial applications. PLCs continue to improve their computational abilities and are nowadays capable of running codes generated with MATLAB/Simulink. A two-week curriculum was added to a graduate controls course to teach students operational techniques and programming of PLCs. Students developed skills necessary to design a controller using logic operations, logic gates, PLC programming, and a Human Machine Interface (HMI). The curriculum required the programming of a PLC and HMI to control automated test equipment with electro-pneumatic components.